Faculty and students at Saint Francis High School in Sacramento are grieving the loss of a beloved teacher Wednesday.

Theology teacher Brian Dodson, 38, died Tuesday. The circumstances surrounding his death are unknown.

Faculty members said they were shocked to learn the news of his untimely passing. Catholic Diocese spokesperson Kevin Eckery said Dodson was looking forward to returning to teach in the Fall.

"It's a huge shock," Eckery said. "He was looking to coming back and starting a new school year and its just really sad."

This latest loss is another blow to students and teachers at the school. In December 2012, photography and media arts teacher Kathy Carlisle was killed after she was hit by a train while taking a photograph.

It's still unclear how Dodson died. Investigators said an autopsy must be performed in the coming days to help determine what happened.

Teachers at St. Francis said they will remember Dodson will school starts in the fall. The first day of class is set for Aug. 18.